Request for Information: Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation Instruments and Spacecraft
ID: NOAA-2025-SAE-GRFIQ2Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OFNATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATIONDEPT OF COMMERCE NOAASILVER SPRING, MD, 20910, USA

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/597d61e2a0794d74b78ba10382c9b3c0/view
Timeline
    Description

    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking information on the development of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) instruments and spacecraft through a Request for Information (RFI). This initiative aims to gather insights into vendor capabilities for future GNSS-RO systems, particularly as NOAA's current data sources, such as the COSMIC-2 mission, are concluding. The RFI emphasizes the importance of these instruments for enhancing environmental monitoring and forecasting, with potential launch timelines between 2028 and 2032. Interested vendors must submit their capability statements by April 18, 2025, and can direct questions to the primary contact, Suzanna Espinoza, at Suzanna.Espinoza@noaa.gov or by phone at 301-628-1343.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Suzanna Espinoza
    (301) 628-1343
    Suzanna.Espinoza@noaa.gov
    Cherron Bennett-Pettus
    (301) 628-1386
    cherron.bennett-pettus@noaa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Instrument and Spacecraft RFI 03112025.pdf
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) instruments and spacecraft. The RFI aims to assess vendor capabilities in developing and providing these instruments to support NOAA's operational weather and space weather monitoring needs. As the COSMIC-2 mission concludes, NOAA is exploring various solutions, including government-owned systems and potential partnerships, with an expected launch timeline between 2028 and 2032. Respondents are asked to provide detailed capability statements concerning instrument and spacecraft specifications, expected costs, and risk management strategies. The RFI outlines the desired specifications for indicators such as navigation satellite tracking, altitude measurement accuracy, and data transmission rates. Potential responses should focus on innovative solutions, with a clear structure concerning past experiences, cost analyses, and technical readiness levels. This RFI serves an informational purpose and does not imply a commitment to contract awards; however, the responses may influence future Request for Proposals. Interested vendors must submit their responses by April 18, 2025, ensuring adherence to specific formatting guidelines. The government emphasizes the confidentiality of proprietary information shared during this process and outlines the collaborative efforts with various federal entities for potential procurement evaluations.
    Instrument and Spacecraft RFI v2.pdf
    The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the development of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) instruments and spacecraft. This initiative aims to gather vendor interest and capabilities for future solutions, as NOAA's current data sources, particularly the COSMIC-2 mission, are winding down. The RFI focuses on gathering information on potential GNSS-RO systems, including integration methods on NOAA spacecraft and data services. The RFI outlines specific capabilities, estimated costs, and readiness levels for the requested instruments and spacecraft, slated for potential launch as early as 2028. Required responses must detail the technical specifications and operational parameters of the instruments, spacecraft, and any government-facilitated launch opportunities. The RFI emphasizes the importance of vendor contributions to inform future Requests for Proposals (RFPs) while clarifying that responses will not obligate NOAA to procure any services or products. Submission guidelines include a deadline of April 18, 2025, and specific formats to ensure comprehensive evaluation. This RFI represents NOAA's proactive approach to securing robust RO data for environmental monitoring and forecasting needs.
    Questions (with NOAA responses).pdf
    The NOAA's Request for Information (RFI) for Global Navigation Satellite System Radio Occultation instruments seeks input on technical specifications from interested parties. Key discussions include a sensitivity target, with a desired Signal-To-Noise Ratio (SNR) of at least 1600 V/V verified as a maximum payload requirement. Furthermore, it indicates that there may be room for developing spacecraft with lower SNR capabilities, contingent on examining the overall Radio Occultation architecture. The RFI specifies the objective of the Direct Broadcast Capability, aimed at transmitting real-time data to support local weather forecasting and reduce regional data processing latency. The latency is defined as the daily median time from when data is acquired to its delivery, measured in relation to Total Electron Content (TEC) samples. Overall, this document serves as a conduit for dialogue between NOAA and potential vendors regarding the technical demands for satellite instruments, demonstrating the federal initiative's commitment to enhancing data accuracy and availability for climate and weather monitoring. It emphasizes collaboration and feedback on specifications critical to improving satellite data applications.
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